For this posting we are required to look into information technology/information communications technology and what these mean and our definitions of them. And also the ethical issues that surround it and how technology can be used in Occupational Therapy.
What is information technology?
According to the english mini dictionary information technology is "the study and use of computers, microelectronics, etc for storing and transferring information.
To me when i think of information technology the first thing that springs to my mind is computers, and really all things that can become very complicated very fast and is forever changing.
Here is a youtube clip showing how much technology has changed:
Information technology and technology itself are some of the most common things in today's society its kind of surprising to think that people could survive without them before they came into existence, like a cellphone for example getting hold of people in a matter of minutes even seconds when it use to take a matter of days in some cases it seems like soo long!
Technology itself is so widely in demand people are now using it for most things especially the internet, things like teaching purposes in our case sites like moodle, having easy access to email accounts, and of course researching information. Its also used for things like advertising, social networking, catching up on your favorite tv shows or checking the weather and so much more. The internet can be used for pretty much anything these days.
When it comes to technology I feel as though I am generally alright doing things technology related. It seems i am always be on the internet wether it be course related work or on facebook, catching up on tv shows or even checking my bank account. My cellphone is also a life saver its so easier to find out where some one is or just keeping in contact with family or friends or taking photos.
Technology and Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy and technology are becoming quite closely related and it is helping to make a change in someones life. It is forever changing and adapting to make things easier for those who do not have all that we do, like something like a wheelchair, not only is there the basic wheelchair theres now wheelchairs that can be controlled by a slight head movement. Or something like the computer as a easier way to store clients notes or making a record of a patients improvement.
Not only is it the things technology can change but its also about getting people engaged in meaningful occupations a good way to do this through technology is with things like wii and using things like ipads because it keeps people engaged.
Ethics and Technology
The internet is so easy to access pretty much anyone can do this also means that anyone can post things or pictures of other people that may or not be of their benefit. Things like these are what start big arguments and cause drama but not only is it that but it can set standards for people for example if someone sees photos of heaps of people wearing a certain style of clothing or writing with certain language eg swearing then people may think that that is the norm when really it may not be. The internet is also a common place for cyber bulling. Its things like these that make technology not such a good thing. Lets look at social networking sites, you normally make these for your own personal benefit to keep in contact with friends, have somewhere to express yourself or put photos on for people to see what you have been up to but its not only your friends that can see this its also now a popular place for employers to look to check out their potential new employee. As part of OT it has been drummed into us the importance of security and consent as any photos you take like on a fieldwork placement or when working with the client you must make sure you have informed from consent not only from the clients but also the organisation.
Well thats all for now, catch you next time.
References
Coventry, L., Nixon, M. (2003). Information Technology. Oxford English Minidictionary(Revised 5th ed p262). Oxford University Press.
Hey Amy
I was just wondering what placement you were on? was the one your talking about from fieldwork one or two ? It was really interesting looking at the videos your've listed, i hadn't thought about some of the ways those games can be applied to therapy goals.